MoD has objected to four windfarms in past year over radar interference fears

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has raised objections to at least four planned windfarms in the past year, citing concerns over radar interference that could hinder the detection of military aircraft. This stance has put the MoD on a collision course with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which recently lifted a decade-long ban on onshore wind developments in England.

The UK government aims to double its onshore wind power capacity by 2030, and four windfarm projects are currently under scrutiny by the MoD on national security grounds.

The Hope Moor project, which could see 23 turbines built to heights of 200m, is the most recent windfarm to face an objection from the MoD. In a letter to Britain’s planning authority, MoD officials expressed concerns that the spinning blades could cause "unacceptable interference" with radars used to detect military aircraft within an RAF Low Flying Area. This objection risks escalating tensions between the MoD and DESNZ, as the latter aims to expedite onshore wind projects designated as nationally significant.

In addition to the Hope Moor project, the MoD has also raised concerns over plans for a six-turbine onshore windfarm near Driffield in East Yorkshire and a 13-turbine windfarm near the Scottish borders. Furthermore, plans for a large offshore windfarm in the Irish Sea have also drawn the MoD's attention due to potential interference with aviation radar systems at the Warton Aerodrome base in Lancashire.

The MoD's history of objecting to windfarm developments is well-documented, but industry sources indicate that these precautionary concerns typically lead to minor adjustments in the size or height of the turbines, allowing the projects to proceed. However, the MoD's routine interventions are often leveraged by opponents of windfarms to strengthen their campaigns. The "Not One Moor" campaign, led by former England cricketer Lord Botham, is among the groups opposing the Hope Moor windfarm project.

Angus Thompson, a Conservative councillor in North Yorkshire, stated that the MoD's warning marks the final nail in the coffin for the Hope Moor scheme, calling for its abandonment without delay. Alexandre Davies, head of aviation at trade group Renewable UK, noted that the industry works closely with the MoD to address radar issues, aiming to accelerate project delivery.

A spokesperson for DESNZ confirmed that the department collaborates closely with the MoD, taking into account defense and security concerns, local community views, and environmental impacts during the planning process.